Dead World Zombie - #71, 7.5 out of 12

Dead World is a zombie comic book series in which the zombies, led by King Zombie, have largely taken control of the world. Caprice Brands LLC markets and sells sodas based on characters from the comics. Two of these flavors are root beer and vanilla root beer. I reviewed the vanilla root beer and rated it 6 out of 12.

The regular root beer is named Twilight Shuffler. The bottle features a muscular, heavily tattooed, half-human and half-zombie character. It is claimed that this character can move from one deceased body to another. This concept seems peculiar to me.

Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beers tested.

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, Pure Cane Sugar, caramel color, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid and Natural Flavor.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

144 Calories

27 mg Sodium.

38 g (11%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2 out of 3 mugs

The beverage exudes a rich, caramel-like aroma. The initial sip revealed a robust vanilla caramel blend, albeit slightly sweet, despite the sugar content being on the lower end of the 70 brews reviewed, averaging 3.2 grams per ounce. The lowest-rated brew had a sugar level of 2.2 grams per ounce, while the highest had 6.6 grams per ounce. The carbonation level is moderate. Overall, the beverage has a remarkably smooth, creamy texture. As I consumed more, my appreciation for it grew. There is an elusive aftertaste that I cannot quite identify. Could it be a subtle hint of wintergreen?

Head – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

The head exhibits a frothy appearance composed of minuscule bubbles, which gradually dissipate at an average rate. The complete dissipation of the head takes approximately 30 seconds.

Zip – 2 out of 3 mugs

This is an exceptionally creamy variety of flavors. However, the zinginess is more pronounced than I prefer. There is a distinct combination of vanilla, caramel, and wintergreen. These flavors dominate the beverage, and I do not perceive the characteristic root beer flavor.

Post Consumption Impression – 2 out of 3 mugs

I would thoroughly enjoy this beverage served over ice. The ice effectively reduces the sweetness, resulting in a more palatable taste.

Would I recommend this at 7.5 out of 12 mugs?

If you seek a robust and invigorating root beer flavor in a beverage, consider alternatives. However, if you prefer a solid beverage served over ice, this option is worth trying. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consume it directly from the bottle, as it has a slightly enhanced flavor and sweetness, which is not to my personal preference.

OTHER RATINGS

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer 4 of 5 barrels

Brad’s Brew Review – 9 out of 10

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel 85 out of 100

Gale’s - #70, 5.75 out of 12

The bottle bears the inscription, “Made by Chef Gale Gand.” She is an esteemed pastry chef, author, restaurateur, television personality, root beer maker, and mother. She asserts, “I cannot live without root beer.”

Her journey into the craft soda industry commenced several years ago in England, where root beer was a rare commodity. To procure it, she would discreetly send others to McDonald’s, as she and her staff were prohibited from being seen there.

Gale’s canine companion, a Terrier named Rootie, played a significant role in her endeavors. Upon her arrival in America, she set out to create her own root beer, using cold-pressed Nielsen-Massey Vanilla. Annually, approximately 50,000 bottles of Gale’s Root Beer are produced. Notably, Rootie, and presumably a younger Gale, are prominently featured on the label.

Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beer tested.

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, Caramel Color, natural and artificial flavors, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, Phosphoric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, and Sodium Benzoate.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

160 Calories

40 mg Sodium.

41 g (14%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

Upon reading the beverage label, I was intrigued by the unique combination of cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla. Upon opening the bottle, a subtle hint of cinnamon was discernible. While the vanilla flavor was evident, the cinnamon-ginger infusion was primarily composed of vanilla and cane sugar. However, my initial sip was somewhat disappointing. The cinnamon flavor was not to my liking, as it was somewhat difficult to swallow and had a slight rancid taste.

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Head – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

A small, rapidly dissipating head with a fizzy appearance. A small ring persisted even after the head had vanished. 

Zip – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

This beverage has a complex profile that may not align with my personal taste preferences. The diverse flavor combination is intriguing, but no single flavor emerged as dominant.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

This brew does not align with my preferences. While I have reviewed numerous other brews that receive significantly lower ratings than Gale’s, there are also several that I would recommend before Gale’s.

 

Would I recommend this at 5.75 out of 12 mugs?

This beverage is closer in character to a solid soda than to root beer, lacking a distinct identity.

OTHER RATINGS

Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 6 out of 10

Root Beer Reviews – A

Rob’s Root Beer Reviews – 6 of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer 2.5 of 5 barrels

Saw-Whet Root Beer – 7 out of 10

Thirsty Dudes - 4 out of 5

Five Star Soda – 3 of 5 stars

Derek Janiak –  4.6 out of 10 

Hippo Size #69 - 9.2 out of 12

Hippo Size brand soda was originally created in 1927 by Alamo Bottling Works of San Antonio, Texas. There are numerous accounts of the history of Alamo Bottling Works. Two articles from the San Antonio Newspaper provide some background information. One headline read, “Soda bottle held lots, cost only a nickel,” while another titled “Family business behind Hippo sodas” offered further insights. However, the bottle itself states, “Bottled by and under the authority of Orca Beverage Soda Works.”

Orca Beverage Soda Works bottles a wide range of vintage brands, including Americana, Earp’s, Dad’s, Spiffie, Brownie, Bulldog, Red Arrow, Sioux City, O-So, Anchor, and Frostie. Several of these brands have been reviewed or are pending review. I have already linked those that have been reviewed.

Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beers tested.

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, natural and artificial flavors, caramel color, extract of wintergreen and sodium benzoate.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

160 Calories

65 mg Sodium.

43 g (9%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.6 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening, an enticing aroma heightens anticipation. The first beverage did not disappoint. Although it may not have been exceptional, the increased carbonation and distinct wintergreen flavor gradually overshadowed the remarkable combination of creamy, soothing taste.

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Head –1.5 out of 3 mugs

The head was remarkably diminutive, and within 15 seconds, there was virtually no discernible trace of its presence.

Zip – 2.7 out of 3 mugs

The combination of flavors is quite appealing. The carbonation adds a refreshing sensation without being overpowering. The wintergreen is distinctly noticeable, although there is a subtle hint of vanilla.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.4 out of 3 mugs

While I enjoy Hippo root beer, I acknowledge that it contains higher levels of sodium and sugar, which can contribute to increased food and beverage addiction. Consequently, I have adjusted my rating from the original 2.7 to 2.4.

Would I recommend this at 9.2 out of 12 mugs?

I suggest you try the beverage unless Wintergreen is not to your liking.

OTHER RATINGS

Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 8 out of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer 2 of 5 barrels

Saw-Whet Root Beer – 9 out of 10

Steve’s Roof Beer – 10 out of 10

Root Beer Respect – 8 of 10

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel 82 out of 100

Tyler the Kid Sarsaparilla - #68 rates 6.75 out of 12

Rocket Fizz is primarily recognized for its extensive candy line, which reportedly comprises over 4,000 varieties. However, the company also caters to a niche market of unique sodas. A web search revealed that Rocket Fizz has produced over 500 distinct soda varieties throughout its history, not all of which are directly associated with the Rocket Fizz parent company.

Rocket Fizz manufactures a diverse range of sodas, including the Rocket Fizz Root Beer Float and Judge Wepner’s Root Beer. I have both of these sodas in my “to be reviewed” inventory. I previously reviewed Gene Autry Root Beer. As I prepared for this review, I noticed that every aspect of Tyler the Kid’s persona closely resembled Gene Autry’s. I am curious if the company bottles the same beverage under various labels to appeal to a wide range of connoisseurs. I will review the product and subsequently compare the differences I observed.

Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beers tested.

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, Caramel Color, Natural Flavor, Real Vanilla and Citric Acid.  (What is Natural Flavor?)

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

 180 Calories

 25 mg Sodium.

 45 g Sugar (15%)

 0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

The aroma predominantly consisted of wintergreen and anise. Despite being labeled as Sarsaparilla, I did not detect any distinct root flavor. The beverage primarily featured carbonation and artificial flavors, lacking a natural taste.

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Head –1.75 out of 3 mugs

A substantial head gradually dissipated. Approximately one minute later, a diminutive foam ring persists.

Zip – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

This beverage lacks exceptional qualities. It presents a combination of flavors that shows some balance, but it fails to offer any distinctive characteristics. The carbonation level is excessively high, almost overshadowing the flavor profile.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

Upon reviewing this brew, I did not identify any significant aspects that I found particularly displeasing. It is an enjoyable beverage with a relatively mild root beer flavor profile.

 

Would I recommend this at 6.25 out of 12 mugs?

This coffee is an average brew, scoring 6.75 out of 12. While it lacks exceptional qualities, I recommend purchasing it again over several other options I have reviewed. It has been on my shelf for over a year, and I want to know whether this duration has affected its flavor.

OTHER RATINGS

Saw-Whet Root Beer – 7 out of 10

Reviews by ZP – 7 out of 10

Root Beer Respect – 6 out of 10

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel - 78 out of 100